What We Do

Shabbat

We gather monthly for a Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service and Potluck Shabbat dinner at someone’s home. Services are led by Rabbi Francine and include Hebrew, English, lots of singing, explanations and time for silent meditation. Our prayer book always includes Hebrew text, transliteration as well as English translation. Potluck dinners are always dairy/vegetarian to accommodate Jewish dietary restrictions and be welcoming for all. We enjoy kosher wine or grape juice for Kiddush and then share in whatever wine and beverages our members contribute.

Rabbi Francine hosts a monthly Shabbat morning service in her home in Whitefish. Doors open at 10:00am for shmoozing and coffee and services begin at 10:30am, concluding at noon. Of course there is a potluck Kiddush/dairy lunch afterwards. Services include singing, prayers, Torah reading a little learning.

High Holy Days

The Glacier Jewish Community/B’nai Shalom gathers for High Holy Day services at a local hotel that has room to accommodate a service and luncheon for our community. We average 60-80 people for Erev Rosh HaShanah services, First Day of Rosh HaShanah services, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur morning and evening/Neilah services.

It gives our community great joy to gather and share our ancient traditions together as well as create our own modern traditions. We also enjoy sharing meals together so we have a festive luncheon following Rosh HaShanah morning services and we have a Break-the-Fast Buffet following the concluding service of Yom Kippur.

Holidays

At the core of every Jewish holiday is the narrative of the Jewish people and its ongoing traditions. We gather every year for Chanukah, Purim and Passover to tell the story of the Jewish people’s past and create new memories for our Jewish community today. Our gatherings include time to socialize, enjoy good food and wine together and share in Jewish rituals such as Chanukah candlelighting, telling the story of Purim and sharing a Passover seder.

Our community is committed to radical hospitality and fiscal responsibility. While some events may include fees, we strongly encourage people who cannot afford the fees to reach out to Rabbi Francine or someone on the Steering Committee to receive subsidies. Any event that requires a fee for food and venue will be publicized with the price that will cover the cost of each individual. And, most importantly, a considerable amount of the congregational budget IS designated to assist participants who can not afford the fees for themselves and their family.

Learning

Rabbi Francine is a gifted teacher and enjoys guiding people in their ongoing journey as a learning Jew. She is happy to meet with people one-on-one to advise on spiritual and educational matters. Rabbi Francine also facilitates discussions and classes for the community on a seasonal basis. During the summer, Rabbi Francine has held Torah Study gatherings at Sykes Diner in Kalispell. She also tutors conversion candidates and Bar/Bat Mitzvah students privately. You should contact the Rabbi to set up an appointment.

Socials

There are so many great activities and venues in the Flathead Valley. Glacier Jewish Community/B’nai Shalom offers congregants opportunities to “just hang out” with each other at local establishments or on the trails. In the past, socials have met at Kalispell Brewing Company, the Izaak Walton Inn and Round Meadows Trails. There are socials planned for Whitefish Distillery, Stumptown Arts Studios and Kalispell Brewery. Check our Calendar for more information!

Volunteer

It has been Glacier Jewish Community’s goal to offer congregants a monthly opportunity to volunteer in the community. We take the ethic of “tikkun olam”, repairing the world, very seriously and want to do our part to help those in need in Northwest Montana. In the past we have cooked and served Christmas dinner at the Samaritan House in Kalispell, held food drives and we are currently forming a work crew for Habitat for Humanity in Kalispell once a month.

If you have a project and need volunteers, please contact us and we will be happy to vet your proposal to share with our congregation.